Role of adult education in refugee communities: Experiences of Syrian refugee women

The war in Syria, which began in 2011, has led to one of the most significant refugee crises in recent history. By hosting the world's largest Syrian refugee population, Turkey faces broad social and economic impacts. Refugees face numerous challenges, including limited access to basic services, psychological stress and difficulties adapting to a new environment. Women refugees encounter additional hardships due to historical gender-based inequalities. This study investigates how adult education shapes the experiences of Syrian refugee women. The qualitative study used in-depth, face-to-face interviews conducted in 2023 with Syrian refugee women aged 24–52 who engaged in adult education programs in Turkey within the last three years. Findings indicate that adult education offered Syrian refugee women a space for emotional recovery and interpersonal connection. It served as a platform to navigate the challenges of displacement through social support and structured learning. Over time, women linked their participation to greater linguistic competence, enhanced economic participation and deeper cultural adaptation. Belonging and empowerment are outcomes that occur when women feel safe, recognized and included. Educational programs that provide space for reflection, interaction and continuity allow women to reinterpret their identity and build confidence. When women are encouraged to have responsibility in decision-making processes, they begin to show more agency in both personal and social spheres. Adult education makes a difference when it is aligned with women's lived realities and social contexts.